More than a menorah

Photo Courtesy of MODERNTRIBE.COMThe whimsical Lalo Treasures Funky Menorah was designed in Israel by Orna Lalo and handmade from resin in a Bulgarian fair-trade women's work group; $98 at ModernTribe.com.

As the Festival of Lights begins Wednesday night, menorahs will brighten homes throughout Staten Island. Over the years, the holiday candelabras have evolved into works of art that many display year-round.

The story of the Hanukkah menorah dates back to second century B.C., when the Maccabees defeated the Syrians and rededicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. They wanted to light the temple’s menorah, but only had enough oil for one night. Miraculously, it lasted for eight.

Through the years, menorahs have taken on new shapes and styles to emerge as architectural, sculptural and whimsical pieces. Traditional nine-branched menorahs in brass and silver still are available, but as ModernTribe.com’s founder Jennie Rivlin Roberts notes, we’re in the midst of a “modern menorah explosion.

View full sizePhoto Courtesy of Jonathan AdlerJonathan Adler's Peacock Menorah features precious metal and posh porcelain brought together for a thoroughly modern holiday look; $120.

“They’re modern, but stylish with an edge,” Ms. Roberts commented. “Ultimately, the menorahs are artistic expressions of the designers. There are so many designers, so many artistic expressions, so much variation that everyone can find a menorah that matches their dream menorah,” she said.

The shopkeeper mentioned contemporary designers, like Jonathan Adler, who now offer menorahs. Adler’s designs include a porcelain peacock with gold accents, and a modular piece consisting of enamel and polished nickel hexagons. Other designers on the ModernTribe site include Mary Jurek, Emily Rosenfeld, Laura Cowan and Patrick Meyer.

The Atlanta, Georgia-based retailer also offers menorahs constructed of wrought iron and resin, as well as ones made of recycled parts, which Ms. Roberts calls “a sign of our times,” along with fair trade menorahs that benefit artisans in other countries.

Local shopkeepers also have noticed a trend toward more diverse and modern designs.

An array of menorah styles can be found at Hedy’s Gifts in Meiers Corners. Nature-inspired pieces by Michael Aram are popular, owner Hedy Sternberg said, gesturing to the designer’s nickel-plated and oxidized bronze menorahs in the forms of olive branches and pomegranates.

Mrs. Sternberg also carries more sculptural menorahs crafted in Israel from Jerusalem stone and glass, and elegant, timeless pieces made of porcelain, enamel and crystal by designers like Olivia Riegel and well-known companies including Lladro and Waterford.

View full sizePhoto Courtesy of This uniquely designed Fused Glass & Copper Flame Menorah (top) is a festive piece of art with its nine colored glass flames; $250 at http://shop.thejewishmuseum.org.

“People leave [the menorah] out all year round; they don’t just take it out during Hanukkah,” Ms. Sternberg observed, adding, “A menorah lasts forever. That’s why people like to invest in a nice menorah.”

Around the corner at Carmel Judaica, manager Seymour Maslow showed off an eclectic array of menorahs from the more traditional versions he said are preferred by Orthodox Jews, to more playful pieces favored by Conservative and Reform sects.

CHILDREN’S MENORAHS

Several of his offerings, like Noah’s Ark and Hanukkah train menorahs, may be purchased for children — an idea popular with grandparents —while adults may prefer those depicting a Klezmer band or Tevya the farmer.

Another option is an electric menorah. According to Maslow, they’ve also been updated and “Some,” he said, “look like artwork.”

For the museum’s shop, she seeks out sturdy, well-constructed pieces in a range of prices. Menorahs here start at $15 for a Peace Sign design and go up to $10,000 for The Statue of Liberty Menorah by Manfred Anson.

“We try to find an array that will get customers excited,” Ms. Zaleski said. “People buy more than one per household. They will buy one for each of their children — something that reminds them of their child — and one for the family.”

Among the variety of designs offered by the museum, are the Menorahmorph, a brightly colored, abstract piece by designer Karim Rashid, whimsical, colorful menorahs by MacKenzie-Childs and wire menorahs depicting giraffes, elephants and lions.

“From traditional menorahs to those that fit in with home decor to whimsical versions and ones for children. It’s always exciting,” Ms. Zaleski said.